Published 4 days ago • loading... • Updated 5 days ago
13 arrested in Workers’ Day protest, Montreal police officers allegedly assaulted
Police said protesters threw projectiles and a pyrotechnic device, prompting chemical irritants and arrests for offenses including armed assault on officers.
Montreal police made 13 arrests during a May Day protest downtown, where demonstrators gathered at Victoria Square to oppose government legislation, according to Convergence.
The anti-capitalist group CLAC organized the rally in response to political discourse and bills activists deemed "anti-union, racist, transphobic anti-feminist."
At the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Jeanne-Mance Streets, the situation escalated when protesters allegedly threw projectiles and a "pyrotechnic device," prompting Montreal police to use "chemical irritants."
Nearby, thousands of fans gathered at the Bell Centre for Game 6 between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning; despite the Canadiens' "1-0 overtime loss," the SPVM reported no disturbances.
Montreal police spokesman Manuel Couture confirmed officers carried out arrests for offenses including armed assault on police, with all protesters leaving the scene shortly after dispersal tactics were employed.
A strike involving nearly 500 participants was the scene of 13 arrests by the City of Montreal Police Service (SPVM) on Friday night for various offences, including armed assaults on police officers.